Using the right vocabulary in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is crucial to your success. In this article, I’ve gathered essential words and phrases for you to learn and use. We will first explore the most common vocabulary that can help raise your band level. Then, I’ll share additional IELTS resources that can further enhance your vocabulary skills!
Most Common Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you’ll be writing a formal essay. This could involve expressing your opinion on a current public issue, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a solution, or proposing your own solutions to an issue. Regardless of whether you’re taking the Academic or the General Training IELTS exam, the following vocabulary can be used in almost any situation.
Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Introduction
At the beginning of Writing Task 2, you’ll need to restate the prompt, present your thesis, and provide an overview of the essay. Here are some common vocabulary phrases that can help you accomplish this:
- It appears that…
- It may seem that…
- I/This essay will show that…
- I/This essay will argue that…
- To examine this issue, this essay will examine both…and…
- Firstly, this essay will…and secondly, it will….
Let’s take a look at some practical examples:
It appears that exercise has both physical and mental benefits.
It may seem that studying the arts is useless, but the opposite is true.
This essay will show that smartphones are actually beneficial.
I will argue that the government should play a larger role in public health.
To examine this issue, this essay will examine both the social and physical effects of family meals.
Firstly, this essay will describe the advantages of this policy, and secondly, it will explain the disadvantages of this policy.
Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Paragraphs
Within each body paragraph, you need a clear topic sentence. You can use words and phrases to list examples or illustrate conflicts and contradictions between ideas. Here are some common vocabulary phrases you can use:
- First of all,
- In addition,
- For example,
- For instance,
- Conversely,
- However,
Here are some examples of how these phrases can be used:
First of all, the government takes a strong role in limiting gambling and other forms of entertainment, so it should also take a larger role in sports.
In addition, employees may find that no further opportunities are available for them at the same company past a certain point.
For example, self-checkout options lead to the loss of jobs within the community.
For instance, electric cars damage the environment far less than cars that run on petrol.
Conversely, the energy involved in producing electric cars may outweigh the overall energy savings.
However, it is important to acknowledge the negative impacts of smartphones, particularly on mental health.
Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2: Conclusion
Transitioning to your final paragraph smoothly is crucial. Instead of restating your thesis statement right away, use transition words and phrases to wrap up your essay. Here are some common vocabulary phrases for your conclusion:
- Finally,
- To summarise,
- In the end,
- On balance,
- Therefore,
Here are a few examples:
Finally, young people should welcome advice from their elders.
To summarise, junk food is an unnecessary burden on public health and should be regulated.
In the end, universities should make history courses requirements for graduation.
On balance, the recent dependence on the Internet is a positive development.
Therefore, the government should more strictly regulate violent content in films and other media.
Linking Words, Phrases, and Paraphrasing
Within each paragraph, you’ll need to include linking words and phrases, as well as paraphrases of important ideas, to ensure the essay flows smoothly. For more examples, you can refer to the following resources:
- IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Linking Words
- How to Paraphrase on the IELTS
- IELTS Writing 2 Practice: Get Paraphrasing Feedback [VIDEO]
Podcasts for Learning Words to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2
Sometimes, it’s more helpful to hear words spoken to better integrate them into your vocabulary. Listening to podcasts is a great way to quickly learn a variety of vocabulary words and phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2. Here are some of Magoosh’s top IELTS podcasts:
- Podcast 1: Information
- Podcast 2: Technology
- Podcast 13: School
- Podcast 11: Work
- Podcast 10: Travel
Vocabulary Lists and Resources
Since the topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 can be varied, the vocabulary words you need to use are also diverse. Here are a few resources, both general and specific, to help you in different scenarios:
- IELTS Science Vocabulary
- IELTS Vocabulary: University Classes and Learning
- Complete Guide to IELTS Vocabulary: PDF
- IELTS Vocabulary Flashcards
- The Complete Guide to IELTS Vocabulary
How to Learn New Vocabulary
Merely looking at a list of words won’t be enough to help you on test day. Here are some resources to help you learn vocabulary for IELTS Task 2 in a way that will truly boost your score:
- 5 Ways to Learn and Remember English Vocabulary
- IELTS Prep: Is It Useful to Memorize?
- Study at Home Tips (Using IELTS Vocabulary) [VIDEO]
A Final Word
When it comes to choosing the right words for IELTS Writing Task 2, learning a handful of terms is just the beginning. Practicing and integrating that vocabulary into your writing is the key to success. So, try incorporating a few practice sentences each time you learn a new phrase. If you want to explore vocabulary from other IELTS sections, check out our free guides to IELTS Speaking vocabulary, IELTS Listening and Reading words, and IELTS Writing Task 1 language and vocabulary. Good luck!
Introducing Free TOEIC and English Grammar Test Website: testtoeic.com
testtoeic.com is a comprehensive online resource for free TOEIC and English grammar tests. Whether you’re preparing for the TOEIC exam or simply looking to improve your English grammar skills, testtoeic.com offers a wide range of practice tests and exercises. With detailed explanations and instant scoring, you can track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Visit testtoeic.com today to start testing your English skills for free!
